REMOVAL OF RUBBISH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16694, 28 March 1922, Page 4

REMOVAL OF RUBBISH.

♦ POST OFFICE REFUSES TO PAY. “ The Chief Postmaster.” ran a cl a line in trie Works Committee’s report last night-, ‘‘ has declined to pay the account: amounting to 4s (sd. for the removal of dust and refuse from the Post Office premises for the quarter ended December .‘3l, 15)21, claiming that it is the duty of the council to remove the rubbish and that as the property is exempt from rates, no foe can be levied. The committee desires to point out that this is a special service and that the Post and Telegraph Department has always paid tor the work previouslv without demur and recommends that the Department be informed that, if the account, is not paid within fourteen days the service will he discontinued.”* “ This is a very serious matter,” said Con ncillor J. A. Flesher. “ Tt. is extraordinary.” said Councillor H- Hunter, “that a new postmaster should take, up this stand and

refuse to pay for the service. The rubbish is not insanitary or we would remove it in any case, hut there is no reason why they should not pay as thov havp paid in tlic past ” Councillor C- AV. Hervey said it looked ns if the Postmaster had received 'instructions, as the evening papers reported that the same thing had been done in two North Island tow ns. Councillor Flesber said that it was a most unsatisfaotorv position. Councillor said that the council should take it up with the PostmasterGeneral. Councillor H. T. Armstrong said that he did not like to stop the service simply because some postmaster had refused to pay. “It came from headquarters,” said Councillor H. Hunter, “and the council has sent the account on.” “Cut the service right out,” said Councillor A. Williams. Councillor Flesher said the council had had trouble with the Government over workers’ homes. The report was adopted.